IS WOE A CURSE?
Parents can comfortably pronounce woes on their disobedient child or children. Teachers can pronounce woes on a pupil who refuses to listen to instructions. A superior can call the attention of a his or her subject who ignores sincere and objective directives. Citizens can pronounce woes on their leaders who instead of bettering their lives with the resources of the nation, State, local government, institutions, have decided to enrich themselves, subjecting the populace to perpetual suffering. In these and other instances, curses are not placed on anybody. Both parents, teachers, superiors, individuals, citizens have just expressed their sorrow on the danger and agony to which the disobedient child/children, pupil and irresponsible leaders will eventually cause themselves. Woe to you simply means I pity you. I pity you because you do not know the danger you are exposing yourself to with your arrogance, lies, deceptions, obstinacy, ungodliness, irresponsible and careless comportment.
Sometimes, the woe is doubled or even tripled (cf. Rev 8:13; 18:10.16.19). In such instances, it stands for emphasis and underlines the gravity of the situation being denounced. In the Book of Revelation, such doubling and tripling indicate the woes will certainly fall mightily on those it is pronounced. Who knows how many woes Jesus is pronouncing on the world, on Nigeria and on us for our disobedience, lies, irresponsibility, corruption, cheating, wickedness, nonchalance, godlessness, hatred, and lack of love? Lord, save us for we are your children. Do not abandon us else, we perish. Amen! Shalom!
